Adelaide Fringe defies odds with $20m box office result

The Adelaide Fringe sold more than 700,000 tickets worth almost $20 million this year, despite the impact of Covid restrictions.

The Adelaide Fringe has released its final results, with 727,567 tickets worth $19.7m sold this year and 3.2 million total attendances over the past 31 days.

This was up by almost 80,000 tickets and $1m on figures issued before the final weekend, and well up on last year’s $16.4m total.

Adelaide Fringe director Heather Croall, centre, with Tjarutja Dance Theatre Collective performers Melanie Koolmatrie and Janelle Egan at the start of this year’s event. Picture: Keryn Stevens

Fringe director Heather Croall said the event had once again proved to be South Australia’s favourite festival.

“Audiences have poured out to Fringe in droves this year,” Ms Croall said.

“Adelaide Fringe has, once again, cemented itself as the biggest arts festival in Australia.

“The arts industry has undoubtedly been one of the worst affected industries throughout the

pandemic, so the overwhelming support from audiences has truly meant the world.”

The Fringe also boosted SA tourism with 32,000 interstate visitors buying more than 86,400 tickets.

Ms Croall said the Fringe could look forward to an even “bigger and brighter” future when international borders reopen and overseas acts are again able to participate.

As part of its election campaign, Labor promised an extra $8m funding for the Fringe over the next four years.

The 2023 Fringe will run from February 17 to March 19.